Dieter Thomas Heck, born Carl-Dieter Heckscher on December 29, 1937, in Flensburg, Germany, was a prominent figure in German television, music, and film. He passed away on August 23, 2018. Best known as the host of the iconic ZDF-Hitparade, Heck significantly shaped German television culture and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Overcoming Adversity
Heck's early life was marked by both promise and hardship. He grew up in Hamburg. In April 1943, at the young age of five, Heck experienced a traumatic event during a British bombing raid in World War II. His family home was hit, and he was buried under the rubble of a cellar for two days and nights. This experience led to a stutter, which he later overcame through classical singing training at age 16. This training not only helped him regain his fluency but also laid the foundation for his future career in entertainment. After completing "Mittelschule" (middle school) and a technical "Oberschule" (high school) he was trained as a "Technischer Kaufmann" (technical salesman) by Borgward in Hamburg and worked afterwards as a salesman.
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Before his success as a TV presenter, Heck explored his talents as a pop singer. At the end of the 1950s, the beginner appeared in Peter Frankenfeld's TV show'Toi, toi, toi', a kind of forerunner of today's casting shows. His classical vocal training initially faced disapproval from his vocal teacher when he ventured into light entertainment. In early 1959, Carl Dieter Heckscher recorded his first single, "Rh - the record company Ariola on Hippe di hopp, my girl". Although the debut hit was not a success, he persevered. He then worked for a record company.
He continued to pursue his music career, recording with Eva May. He later switched to Fontana and participated in the national preliminary round of the Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson in 1961 with the song "Was tut man nicht aus Liebe." Despite not winning, he continued his musical journey, signing with Electrola and covering Elvis Presley's "Surrender." He also adopted the pseudonym "Teddy Lombard" briefly.
Transition to Radio and Discovery of His True Calling
In 1963, Heck began working as a radio presenter for Südwestfunk Baden-Baden, where his unique voice and engaging personality quickly gained popularity. He then worked for Radio Luxemburg from 1965 to September 1966. To avoid confusion with a colleague named Dieter, he used the name Dieter "Thomas" Heck. This marked a turning point in his career, as he found his niche in radio broadcasting. He then worked for SR 1 Europawelle of the Saarländischer Rundfunk.
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Heck's passion for German Schlager music led him to launch the "German Hit Parade" at Europawelle Saar, attracting a large audience. This success caught the attention of ZDF, leading to his television debut.
The Rise of "ZDF-Hitparade" and Television Stardom
Heck's television career took off in 1969 with the "ZDF-Hitparade," a show that would define his career and revolutionize German television. The first edition of the ZDF'Hitparade' flickered on the screen on January 18, 1969. Renowned performers such as Roy Black, Manuela, Karel Gott and Graham Bonney were present. As the host, Heck's quick wit, charismatic presence, and rapid-fire delivery of names during the credits earned him the title of "Speaker of the Nation." In a very short time, this music program became the most successful format on German television, with international stars also appearing as guests. In particular, Heck's quick moderation, in which he read out the people involved in the recording, became unique on German television.
The "ZDF-Hitparade" became the most popular music show on German television, receiving the prestigious "Golden Camera" award. Despite his TV success, Heck remained committed to radio, continuing his broadcasts at Europawelle Saar.
Continued Success and Diverse Television Projects
After 183 editions, Heck left the "ZDF-Hitparade" on December 15, 1984. This was followed by programmes such as'Die Goldene Stimmgabel','Melodien für Millionen','Die Pyramide','Made in Germany','Musik liegt in der Luft' or'Das Sommerhitfestival'. He also hosted many charity galas, for example for Welthungerhilfe. He also hosted numerous other shows, including "Die Goldene Stimmgabel," "Melodien für Millionen," "Die Pyramide," and "Das Sommerhitfestival." He also hosted charity galas.
From 1982 to 1989, he was also moderator for the Südwestfunk in the series Gute Laune aus Südwest and Vom Telefon zum Mikrofon. For the ZDF, he moderated 4 gegen 4 (1973), Die Pyramide (1978), Schwarz auf Weiß, Ihr Einsatz bitte - Made in Germany, Das ist ihr Leben (1994), Das große Los, Showpalast, Das Sommer-Hitfestival, Das Silvester-Hitfestival and finally Melodien für Millionen (Melodies for Millions), a gala for the benefit of the German Cancer Aid.
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He initiated the award Goldene Stimmgabel. From 1982 to 1989, he was also moderator for the Südwestfunk in the series Gute Laune aus Südwest and Vom Telefon zum Mikrofon.
Awards and Recognition
Heck's contributions to the entertainment industry were widely recognized. In 1967 he was awarded the "Golden Arrow". Together with Dr. Reimund Hess from Saarländischer Rundfunk founded the "Golden Europe" award for successful German artists. In 1970 he received the "Golden Camera" from HÖRZU magazine. In 1984, Heck was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit. In 1999, Heck was honored with the Saarland Order of Merit and in 2000 with the Baden-Württemberg Medal of Merit for his social donations. He received the "Echo Special Prize" in 2008 for his outstanding contributions to German-language music, the Bundesverdienstkreuz 1st class of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2009, and the Hans Rosenthal Honorary Prize and the Golden Camera for his life's work in 2014 and 2017.
Later Life and Legacy
He retired from the ZDF in 2007. He said then "It was my life to entertain people. That I succeeded makes me happy."("Mein Leben war es, Menschen zu unterhalten. His last TV appearance was in 2016 on "Our Greatest Hits." Dieter Thomas Heck's career spanned decades, and he remained a beloved figure in German entertainment until his death in 2018.
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